A 16-year-old boy suspected of supplying Xanax has been arrested following a drug raid in Dorchester.

Officers from Dorchester and Weymouth Neighbourhood Policing Teams executed the warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at an address in Fordington today.

Police seized a quantity of what is believed to be Xanax tablets, cannabis and a white powder suspected to be an illegal substance.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class A drug and is assisting police with enquiries.

As reported in the Echo, police issued a drug alert in early November after young children in Weymouth were found to be taking Xanax - a highly addictive drug used to treat anxiety.

Xanax is a brand name for the drug alprazolam, which belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines and when taken in higher doses can cause feelings of drunkenness.

It is not available in the UK on the NHS and is a class C controlled drug.

Dorset Echo:

RAID: Police execute a warrant at an address in Fordington

Today, police confirmed there had been cases of young people taking the drug across Dorset and it had become a 'county-wide issue.'

One officer tweeted that there had been 'lots of reports' of young people taking Xanax in Weymouth and Dorchester and mixing it with other drugs.

Following the drug alert, police began an investigation to track down suspected suppliers in the county.

Police Sergeant Ged Want, of the NPT, said: “The warrant was executed as a result of community-provided intelligence and I would like to thank the public for their continued assistance in relation to reporting suspected drug dealing or misuse.

“There are considerable risks associated with taking substances that have not been specifically prescribed. The consequences can be very serious and even fatal.

“You can never be sure what a tablet contains when it has not been properly prescribed or the potential effect it can have on you.

“I hope this warrant will also serve as a warning that we will act on information and are committed to protecting young people in our communities.”

Xanax causes cardiac or respiratory difficulties, slows down reactions and can make a person feel drowsy, lethargic and forgetful.

The drugs can also lead to problems concentrating, headaches, vertigo and are very addictive. When taken with or even without alcohol they can slow the heart rate down to dangerous levels.

Anyone who wants to report alleged drug dealing in their community is asked to contact Dorset Police via 101.